28 March 2020
The RCGP has responded to the Government's launch of coronavirus tests for frontline NHS staff.
27 March 2020
Healthcare workers from domiciliary care to intensive care should be given the appropriate quantity and level of personal protection equipment (PPE) and rapid access to testing in readiness for Northern Ireland's Covid-19 surge.
26 March 2020
Chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Martin Marshall has written to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, demanding urgent clarity for GPs around how and when to use the personal protective equipment they are receiving when seeing patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
20 March 2020
Senior medical leaders in Northern Ireland have welcomed measures to support health professionals working on the frontline in hospitals, GP surgeries, emergency departments and community healthcare settings announced by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Health Minister Robin Swann (19 March 2020).
19 March 2020
Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "The College has been making a strong case that COVID-19 testing for healthcare professionals should be a priority. We know there are a significant number of healthcare colleagues who are following official advice and self-isolating, and only able to perform limited clinical tasks to support their colleagues. Testing would clarify whether they are safe to return to frontline patient care, where we know many would prefer to be.
18 March 2020
The College has decided to postpone all events from now until 12 June. This includes the Spring General Meeting which had been planned for 15 May. The situation is fast-changing and in light of most recent government guidance, we have taken this decision to enable GPs to concentrate on the delivery of patient care during a period in which the NHS and its staff will be under increasing pressure.
16 March 2020
The RCGP has responded to the news that routine CQC inspections of general practices will be suspended with immediate effect during the Covid-19 pandemic.
11 March 2020
Responding to the Budget, Professor Martin Marshall said: "We welcome the Government's urgent action to support the NHS in these particularly challenging times – and it is essential that a significant share of the emergency funding is made available for GPs on the frontline of patient care.
10 March 2020
Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "GPs can always be relied on to rally in a crisis and as the situation escalates we will need different and more flexible ways of working to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need, in the safest way possible.
09 March 2020
Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "We're in an ever-changing situation and it is important that everyone in the NHS has clear, concise guidance about what they need to do to keep both themselves and their patients safe. GPs will increasingly be on the frontline of dealing with Covid-19 – and we're already hearing from members that they are seeing more patients who are concerned about the outbreak and what steps they should take to protect themselves and their families.